Bird flu in Cornwall confirmed in poultry in Torpoint

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in poultry at a premises near Torpoint.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared around the premises, and this extends across Plymouth.

All poultry and captive birds at the premises are to be humanely culled.

Cornwall, Devon and parts of Somerset are in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.

Last week bird flu was confirmed in commercial poultry near South Molton in North Devon and the poultry were culled.

The zones put in place this morning. Picture: Defra/Getty (Image: Defra/Getty)

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone were declared around the premises on September 2.

On August 30 bird flu was confirmed in poultry near Constantine, Redruth and Camborne.

Bird flu is affecting thousands of wild birds across the south west.

All bird keepers, whether pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times.

Keepers should register your poultry, even if only kept as pets, so that Defra can contact them during an outbreak.

This is a legal requirement for those owning 50 or more birds.

If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

Failure to do so is an offence as it is a notifiable disease.

If you find one or more dead bird of prey or owl, three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks) or five or more dead birds of any species, don't touch them and report them by calling the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.